My Semba (Meu Semba)
Hugo Salvaterra | Angola | 2026 | Portuguese with English subtitles | 93m
UK Premiere
X, an Albino baby manages to survive his contentious birth but loses his mother in the process. He comes of age, forming a bond with his fraternal brother and sister, Léle and Maria. As the working class in an African metropolis they face below minimum wage jobs and undignified working conditions.
Maria holds on to her faith and family values, Lélé fights fire with fire against the injustices of the metropolis and X, the poet, tries to make sense of it all, painting the city with words. When their father figure’s life is at risk, they each have to face their deepest fears to save him. With a nothing to lose attitude, X enters poetry battles where he finds new corners of his personality, and even the possibility of love.
This screening will be followed by a discussion with Geração 80 collective member and My Semba cinematographer Ery Claver, who will joined by musicians Sean Focus and Bemz, hosted by artist, songwriter & screenwriter Matt Hickman.
Following the UK premiere of My Semba (Meu Semba), join us at Lochrin Rooftop Bar for our Festival Party inspired by one of Geração 80's cinematic characters, Angola's capital city: Luanda. The My Semba film screening ticket includes access to the Festival Party. If you would like to attend only the Festival Party, tickets are available via Eventbrite.
The Spotlight: Geração 80 programme offers a rare opportunity to engage the collective’s distinctive contribution to contemporary African cinema through films that reflect their commitment to innovative storytelling, visual experimentation and authentic representations of Angolan life and culture. Lookout for the additional screenings in this programme, Air Conditioner and Our Lady of the Chinese Shop.
Join Geração 80 for a special masterclass on Thursday 29 October.
Spotlight: Geração 80 is made possible through the support of Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation UK Branch’ and their Gulbenkian Exhibitions Fund.
Ery Claver
Ery Claver is one of Angola's most versatile filmmakers.
He began his career as a cameraman, working on numerous television reports and documentaries, and in 2013 he joined Geração 80, deepening his style as a director of photography, culminating in the internationally acclaimed film "Air Conditioner", directed by Fradique, in which Ery collaborates not only with the script but also signs the Cinematography.
His filmography has guaranteed him presence in festivals such as the International Film Festival Rotterdam, Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival in France, Tarifa-Tangier African Film Festival, BFI London Film Festival.
As a director, he has signed several short films and in 2022 he premiered his first feature film, "Our Lady of the Chinese Shop", at the 75th Edition of Locarno Film Festival.
Sean Focus
Born in Harare, Zimbabwe and now based in Edinburgh - Sean Focus is a living bridge between continents.
Raised on the pulse of southern Africa and sharpened by the raw edges of Scotland, he creates a sound that carries warmth, urgency and undeniable presence.
Bemz
The past two years have been a whirlwind for BEMZ, a period filled with milestones, collaborations, major live performances and creative exploration. From releasing new music to stepping onto some of his biggest stages yet, the Nigeria-born, Glasgow-based rapper has continued to carve out his own space in the Scottish music scene and beyond.
Matt Hickman
Matt Hickman is an award winning Scottish songwriter, musician and filmmaker best known for his work with Scottish Indie Soul outfit brownbear. As well as having achieved critical acclaim in music, Matt has been a vocal advocate for artist rights across the UK music industry with a particular focus on uplifting Black & POC artists in Scotland. He was also part of the year 1 ‘Little Pictures’ Cohort for Gmac Films before beginning his screenwriting journey through Screen Scotlands ‘Convergence programme’ & NFTS’ ‘Finding Your Voice’.